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OF 

7VV.    L.    RERRIN. 

•      /Vo.i.i.t?... 

Subject  W.s^.^/.,/ 


JOHNA.SEAVERNS 


TUFTS   UNIVERSITY    LIBRARIES 


3  9090  014   551    309 


Webster  Famffy  Llbraiy  of  Veterinary  Medicine 

-Cummings  Schoo'  - '  v-*erinary  Medicine  at 

TU".!;    ...  y.-'sity 

200  Westboro  Road 
North  Grafton.  MA  01536 


T  II E 


HORSE-OWNER'S  GUIDE; 


PEACTICAL   INSTRUCTIONS 


The  Horseman's  Points. 
The  Horse  in  Health. 
The  Horse  in  Sickness. 
The  Horse's  Teeth. 


The  Horse's  Hoofs. 
The  Age  of  the  Horse. 
Treatment   of   his   Diseases. 
How  TO  But  a  Horse. 


EMBRACING,    ALSO,    A    NUMBER    OF 


THE  MOST  VALUABLE  LECILES  IN  USE  BY  THE  BEST  EUBOPEAN   YETERINAEIANS, 

NEVER     BEFORE     BROUGHT     INTO     PUBLIC     NOTICE. 


3Illustratctr  bjttfj  jFour  ILttljocjrapljic  ipiatrs, 

WHICH     BRING    THE     WHOLE     SUBJECT    WITHIN     THE     COMPREHENSION     OF     EVERY     PERSON. 


BY  F.   II.  WALTHER, 

Fgrmerly  First  Veterinary  Surgeon  to  Ilis  Excellency  the  Prince  Otto  Victor  of  'Waldenburg, 

and  First  Veterinary  Surgeon  of  tlie  Royal  A'eterinary  College  of  Saxony, 

and  Member  of  different  Scientific  Societies  in  Europe. 


BOSTON: 
PUBLISHED   BY  L.   PRANG   AND    COMPANY, 

I^o.    34    !IVIercliaii.ts    tlo-v^'. 

1861. 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1861, 

BY    L.    PRANG, 

in  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  District  of  Massachusetts. 


Prentiss  &  Deland,  Printers,  40  Congress  Street. 


PREFACE 


The  practice  of  the  Veterinary  Art  was  carried  on,  during  the 
eighteenth  century,  mostly  by  quacks  and  uneducated  persons.  It 
has,  however,  within  the  hist  sixty  years,  advanced  to  the  rank  of  a 
science,  hand  in  hand  with  other  branches  of  human  knowledge. 

Devastating  disorders  among  animals  became  the  impulse  to  a 
more  exact  study  and  treatment  of  the  same,  and  the  consequent  ad- 
vance from  empiric  to  scientific  knowledge.  The  veterinary  schools 
founded  by  the  governments  of  Europe  pursued  the  subject  of  the 
education  of  veterinarians,  at  first,  under  the  guidance  of  accom- 
plished physicians  and  celebrated  horse-doctors,  who  conjointly 
taught  and  presided ;  this  was  the  stejDping-stone  from  guess-work 
to  exact  knowledge.  Persistent  exertions,  comparisons  between 
human  and  animal  physics,  exact  study  of  anatomy,  physiology,  &c., 
finally  brought  veterinary  science  to  its  present  position. 

The  present  work  is  intended  as  a  guide  for  owners  of  horses,  to 
enable  them,  in  the  absence  of  a  veterinarian,  to  undertake  the  allevi- 
ation of  the  sufiering  of  the  sick  horse,  or  its  complete  cure.  A  great 
many  books  have  been  written  on  this  subject,  but  they  are  mostly 
large,  costly  Avorks,  fi-equently  tiresome,  and  unintelligible  to  the  un- 
professional reader. 

The  object  of  the  present  undertaking  is  a  wish  to  produce,  in  an 
economical  and  intelligible  manner,  what  may  prove  a  welcome  guide 
to  all  those  interested  in  horses. 


INTRODUCTORY    REMARKS 


DISEASES   OF  THE  HORSE. 

The  regular,  undisturbed,  natural  action  of  the  various  functions  of 
the  vital  organs  of  an  animal,  is  health ;  the  reverse,  constitutes  sick- 
ness. Every  sickness  has  its  causes,  eflects,  forms,  duration,  and 
termination. 

Causes  of  sickness  are  both  internal  and  external.  The  former, 
called  predisposition  or  susceptibility  to  sickness,  lies  in  the  general 
mutability  of  animal  nature,  which,  in  order  to  exist,  needs  continu- 
ally the  outer  world,  and  consequently  may  be  endangered  by  too 
much,  or  too  little  inflxience  therefrom.  Another  cause  of  sickness  is 
hereditary  deterioration.  These  causes  may  undergo  many  changes ; 
may  increase  or  decrease ;  dependent  on  age,  sex,  constitution,  tem- 
perament, and  manner  of  living. 

For  instance,  old  age  inclines  to  stiffness  of  the  joints  ;  very  young 
animals  are  apt  to  suffer  from  disease  of  the  lymphatic  ducts ;  the  fe- 
male is  liable  to  diseases  of  the  udder ;  those  with  a  strong  constitu- 
tion are  subject  to  fevers  and  inflammations;  those  of  a  choleric 
temperament,  to  bilious  diseases. 

The  manner  of  keeping  domestic  animals  is  very  diverse  from 
their  natural  halnts,  and  therel)y  the  cause  of  special  disease.  Light, 
air  —  its  dryness  and  moisture  —  cold,  warmth,  exercise,  food  and 
drink,  stables,  and  the  attention  paid  to  the  animals,  are  all  subjects 
for  consideration. 

Much  of  the  physicking,  as  a  preventive,  such  as  bleeding,  purging- 
powders  of  all  kinds,  is  erroneous  and  prejiosterous ;  and  often  de- 
ranges the  condition  of  otherwise  healthy  animals. 

Other  causes  are  either  mechanical  (pressure,  blows,  stabs,  etc.),  or 
chemical  (poisons,  acids,  alkalies),  and  finally  active  causes,  which 
operate  directly  on  the  sensibility  of  an  animal,  and  thereby  produce 
sickness. 


VI  INTRODUCTOKY      K  K  M  A  K  K  S. 

If  both  internal  and  oxtornul  causes  of  sickness  arc  combined,  un- 
der ]ieculiar  circumstances,  the  result  will  be,  A'isible  changes  in  the 
apix'arance  of  the  animal,  called  symptoms  of  sickness.  These  show 
themselves,  — 

First.  —  In  the  organs  of  feeling  and  motion,  by  pain,  itching, 
dullness,  giddiness,  trembling,  sudden  starts,  running  off,  etc. 

Second.  —  In  the  circulation  of  the  blood;  the  beating  of  the 
pulse  is  either  too  slow  or  too  quick,  too  soft  or  too  hard. 

Third.  —  In  the  digestive  organs,  by  restlessness,  colic,  etc. 

Fourth.  —  In  the  urinaiy  organs,  by  too  much  or  too  sj^arse  evac- 
uations, even  mingled  with  blood. 

Fifth.  —  In  the  a])pearance  of  the  skin ;  by  all  forms  of  scaly  erup- 
tions, etc. 

Sixth.  —  In  the  organs  of  generation ;  by  involvmtary  emissions 
and  weakness^ 

Seveis'th.  —  In  the  exterior  apj^earance  of  the  body,  boils,  etc. 

Diseases  are  either  acute  or  chronic,  and  convalescence  in  the 
former  may  often  appear  with  stormy  signs,  called  crises.  The  symp- 
toms of  the  crisis  will  be  according  to  the  character  and  seat  of  the 
disease ;  critical  j^erspiration,  urinary  flow,  diarrhcBa,  eruption  of  the 
skin,  etc.  The  crisis  may  repeat  itself  until  the  disease  is  conquered, 
if  not  strong  enough  to  do  so  the  first  time.  Its  appearance  will  usu- 
ally be  made  on  the  uneven  days  of  the  run  of  the  disease ;  as  the 
third,  fifth,  seventh,  ninth,  up  to  the  twenty-first.  Disease  will  often 
change  its  nature  or  its  seat. 

Most  diseases  are  curable,  if  jiroper  care  be  taken  in  the  first  stages 
of  their  appearance  and  judicious  means  applied  to  support  nature  in 
its  battle ;  but  success  is  not  always  certain,  and  death  is  inevitable 
if  the  causes  for  the  disease  are  not  removed.  The  only  natural  death 
is  that  of  old  age  —  by  waste  of  substance  and  ossification  —  a  very 
rare  occun-ence,  indeed,  in  these  (even  for  horses)  artificial  times. 


METHODS   OF   CURE. 


He  who  takes  care  of  the  sick  hoi'se  not  only  enhances  the  vahie 
of  liis  property,  but  does  an  essential  service  to  the  welfare  of  his 
country.  Physicking,  alone,  as  many  people  believe,  will  not,  however, 
l)e  sufficient.  It  will  be  necessary,  first,  to  find  out  the  cause  of  the 
sickness ;  this  removed,  nature  will  frequently  ])erform  the  cure  with- 
out help  from  medicine.  (For  instance,  wdien  the  horse  has  a  pebble 
l)etween  the  shoe  and  the  hoof,  remove  this,  and  the  lameness  Avill 
disap2)ear.  If  "  diabetes "  is  caused  by  musty  food,  give  him  good, 
healthy  food,  instead,  and  he  will  be  Avell.  Many  other  examples 
coiild  be  given,  but  these  will  be  sufficient.)  Cases  occur,  however, 
when,  after  the  removal  of  the  cause,  nature  will  no  longer  be  strong 
enough  to  perform  the  cure  alone ;  then  nature  must  be  assisted  by 
one  of  the  various  methods  of  curing  diseases.  We  give  here  only 
two  —  the  most  generally  acknowledged  ones— ^ the  homceopathic 
and  the  allopathic. 

The  first  deserves  preference,  in  most  cases,  because  the  inexj)eri- 
enced  person  here  runs  less  risk  of  doing  harm  than  if  he  has  recourse 
to  allopathic  medicines.  The  best  means  of  administering  the  former 
to  the  horse  is,  to  put  from  one  to  three  drops,  or  from  eight  to  twelve 
pellets  or  pills,  on  a  wafer  of  flour-paste  or  a  small  piece  of  bread,  to 
raise  the  horse's  head  a  little,  pull  the  tongue  out,  and  ])lace  the 
wafer  as  far  back  as  possible;  after  which,  the  mouth  is  held  closed 
with  the  hand,  in  order  to  compel  the  animal  to  swallow.  Care  must 
be  taken,  however,  to  give  the  medicine  either  one  hour  before,  or  one 
hour  after  he  is  fed.  The  liquid  form  of  allopathic  medicines  deserves 
the  preference  in  dangerous  diseases,  which  run  a  rapid  course,  be- 
cause it  will  operate  soonest.  In  some  cases,  however,  this  form  can- 
not be  used  ;  as,  for  instance,  in  inflammations  of  the  throat,  where 
the  horse  cannot  swallow.     Also,  with  aninuds  suftering  Avith  cough, 


8  HORSE-OWNER    S      GUIDE. 

t 

etc.  In  less  dangero\is  cases,  give  it  as  powder  —  one  or  two  spoon- 
fulls —  mixed  with  the  food.  Only  medicines  which  have  a  very  bad 
taste  (aloes,  etc.)  need  be  given  in  pills.  This  form,  and  electuaries^ 
are  the  easiest  to  administer.  Take  a  wooden  spatula  full  of  the 
latter,  and  spread  it  on  the  tongue.  If  an  electuary  must  be  given 
liquid,  mix  it  with  a  pint  of  warm  water,  and  give  it  carefully  to  the 
horse. 

Most  feverish  and  inflammatory  diseases  require  less  nourishing, 
but  easily-digestible  food,  as  wheat-bran  mixed  with  water,  and  that 
only  in  small  quantities.  Never  force  the  animal  to  eat ;  rather  wait 
until  the  aj^petite  comes  of  itself,  as  the  sickness  might  be  otherwise 
increased. 

A  dry,  spacious  stable,  fi-ee  from  draught,  with  a  good  litter,  Avarm 
coverings,  and  plenty  of  good  water,  will  materially  hel]). 

Lame  horses  must  have  soft  litters  and  plenty  of  space,  so  that 
they  can  rest  themselves  perfectly  well. 

Injections  are  useful  means  of  hastening  the  evacuation  of  the 
bowels,  when  the  disease  requires  their  speedy  action.  If  it  is  intend- 
ed to  soothe  the  animal  (inflammation),  give  but  one;  if  rapid 
evacuation  is  desired,  repeat  them  quickly. 

When  you  bathe  the  horse,  for  the  first  time,  in  cold  water,  keep 
him  but  four  or  five  minutes,  at  most,  in  the  water ;  rub  him,  after- 
wards, perfectly  dry,  and  take  him  to  a  warm  stable,  with  good,  dry 
litter.     By  and  by,  the  horse  may  be  kept  longer  in  the  water. 

Local  cold  baths  may  be  continued  from  one  to  three  hours,  as  ne- 
cessity may  require. 

Warm  full  baths  are  but  rarely  used,  whilst  local  varm  baths  arc 
very  frequently  required.  For  the  latter,  soap  must  be  put  into  the 
water,  and  frequently  aromatic  substances  added.  (A  decoction  of 
hay  is  the  cheapest.) 

Shower-baths  are  also  sometimes  used,  but  squirting  at  the  afflicted 
spot,  with  a  sp'inge  (called  douche-bath),  is  more  frequent. 

Sea-baths  have  a  soothing  influence,  but  if  too  long  continued  they 
become  fatiguing.  After  five  or  six  baths,  the  horse  will  be,  frequently, 
very  tired,  but  after  twelve  oi-  fifteen,  his  strength  and  agility  Mill  re- 
turn. They  remove  obstructions,  help  the  circulation  of  the  blood, 
and  will  thin  the  blood. 

Nearly  related  to  the  baths,  are  fomentations.  They  are  best  ap- 
plied by  means  of  flannel,  frequently  dipped  in  hot  water,  or  l)oiled 
linseed  or  millet,  together  with  aromatic  substances,  etc.,  put  into  a 
small  bag,  and  ai)phed  as  hot  as  the  hand  will  bear. 


METHODS      OF     CURK.  y 

Steammg  —  vapor-baths,  avo  likewise  frequently  made  use  of.  If 
applied  locally,  hot  barley,  fenuel,  etc.,  are  \n\t  into  a  bac^,  so  that  the 
water  can  run  off,  and  then  fastened  to  the  neck  of  the  horse,  if  the 
throat  be  affected ;  if  the  disease  be  in  the  head,  jnit  it  into  a  bucket, 
and  hold  the  horse's  head  just  aboAe  it,  and  renew  the  steam  Avith  a 
liot  iron,  at  short  intervals.  The  apjilication,  however,  must  not  ex- 
ceed one  hour.  Afterwards,  the  horse  must  be  rubbed  diy,  and  kejjt 
warm. 


DISEASES  AXD   SPECIFIC   REMEDIES. 

The  numbers  in  the  text  refer  to  the  recipes  which  follow. 
II.  R.  means  Homoeopathic  Ilemedy  ;    A.  R.  Allopathic  Remedy. 

If  more  than  one  homoeopathic  remedy  is  referred  to,  only  the  first  on  the  list  should  be  used,  and 
from  four  to  six  days  allowed  for  its  operation  ;  if  not  efficacious,  try  the  next  in  order,  &c. 

Albugo,  or  Leucoma.  —  A  disease  of  the  eye.  It  may  be  par- 
tial or  entire,  with  whitish  spots,  or  the  whole  eye  become  of  a  white 
color. 

II.  E.  — If  partial,  after  inflammation  use  cannabis  and  conium.  If  proflucetl 
by  wliip-cuts  or  other  outward  causes,  use  cannabis  alternately  with  belladonna 
and  conium.  If  red  stripes  are  visible  on  the  cornea,  use  sarsaparilla  and  sulphur. 
If  the  disease  is  of  long  standing,  Pulsatilla,  sulphur,  euphrasia,  causticum,  lyco- 
podium. 

A.  R.  —  "Wash  with  Xo.  1,  daily,  from  four  to  six  times. 

AiiAUROSis,  —  Commonly  called  glass-eye.  Paralysis  of  the  optic 
nerve,  and  blindness. 

H.  R. — In  the  beginning  of  the  sickness,  ammonium-carbonicum  and  causti- 
cum ;  afterwards,  belladonna,  euphrasia,  canabis,  sulphur. 

A.  R.  —  If  the  blood  rushes  to  the  head,  bleed  the  horse,  and  purge  with  No.  3. 
Moisten  around  the  eye,  outwardly,  three  or  four  times  a  day,  with  Xo.  -t. 

Anchylosis.  —  A  stiffness  of  the  joints,  with  partial  or  complete 
loss  of  motion,  in  consequence  of  the  bones  grooving  together,  or  the 
contraction  and  thickening  of  the  ligaments. 

11.  R.  —  Arnica,  both  inside  and  outside,  rhus-toxicodendron,  Pulsatilla,  sulphur. 

A.  R.  —  If  the  inflammation  has  not  yet  disappeared,  apply  bandages  of  cold 
water,  with  one-twelfth  part  Xo.  2.  Afterwards,  wash  frequently  with  warm  soap- 
suds. 


10  IIOKSE-OWNEli's      GUIDE. 

Blood-Spayix,  —  See  Spavin. 

BoTS.  —  The  larva'  of  the  p:ad-f]y,  wliich  haiiii;  on  tlic  inside  of  the 
stomach. 

Re.medy.  —  A  run  on  the  t,^rass  is  the  most  effectual  remedy. 

BuEAKDOAvx. —  See  Curl). 

Broken"  Wind,  —  A  chronic  ilhiess;  l)a<l  breathing  and  cono'li, 
which,  at  times,  accompanies  indigestion. 

II.  R.  —  If  the  sickness  is  in  consequence  of  an  inflammation  of  the  hmgs.  give 
aconite,  three  doses ;  afterwards,  bryonia ;  later,  squilla  and  calcarea. 

A.  H.  —  Nature  frequently  effects  a  cure  without  any  physicking,  after  the  cause 
of  tlie  lUsease  is  removed.  If  it  be  caused  by  dusty  and  mustj'^  food,  tliis  must  be 
changed  to  good  hay,  moistened  with  salt  water,  carrots,  bran,  and  plenty  of 
water.  Sometimes  a  moderate  hunger-cure  will  be  of  great  service.  Walks  to 
the  pasture,  and  some  occupation,  but  not  faster  than  a  walk,  are  better  than  com- 
plete rest.  Bleeding  will  frequently  be  of  advantage.  No.  7  or  8  may  be  given 
three  times  a  day. 


Bruises.  —  Bruises  may  eitlier  injure  the  skin  or  not.  They  cause 
an  increasing  inHanimation  and  an  extensive  swelUng,  with  moderate 
pain.     They  occur  most  frequently  over  the  eye,  on  the  temples,  etc. 


H.  R.  —  Arnica,  internally  and  externally.  For  external  use,  take  from  twenty 
to  twenty-five  drops  of  the  pure  tincture,  with  one  quart  of  cold  water,  for  wet 
bandages.  Symphytum  officinale,  if  a  bone  or  the  skin  is  injured,  externally  and 
internally.     To  be  used  as  arnica,  above. 

A.  R.  —  Cold-water  bandages,  with  one-twelfth  part  of  No.  2,  if  applied  suffi- 
ciently long,  will  almost  always  help,  unless  the  bruise  is  of  long  standing.  If 
the  injured  limb  is  afterwards  weak,  rub  with  No.  11.  If  the  swelling  does  not 
give  way,  make  warm  fomentations  of  decoctions  of  linseed  or  hay. 

N.  B.  —  If  matter  has  collected,  it  must  he  opened  with  a  knife. 

IjRUISE  of  the  Sole.  —  Caused  hy  travelling  on  hard  ]>avements, 
and  should  be  attendi'd  to  without  delay. 

H.  R.  —  In  the  first  stage,  if  accompanied  by  inflammation,  use  arnica  internally 
and  externally  ;  also  conium  and  arsenicuni.  If  matter  lias  collected,  use  squilla, 
conium,  antimonium-cruilum,  nux-vomica,  Pulsatilla,  and  mercurius-vivus. 

A.  R.  —  See  Bruises.  If  matter  and  blood  has  collected  under  the  sole,  it  must 
be  opened  with  the  knife. 


M  E  T  11  O  D  S      O  F     C  U  K  E  .  11 

Canker  ix  the  Foot.  —  A  separation  of  the  horn  from  the  sensi- 
ble part  of  the  foot,  and  the  growth  of  fungns-matter,  occui>ying  a 
portion,  or  even  the  wliole  of  the  sole  and  frog. 

II.  R.  —A  clean  and  dry  stabK".     Internally,  spiritns  .•-ulpliuratus. 

A.  E.  —  Common  charcoal-powder  mixed  with  equal  parts  of  sulphur,  to  lay  on. 
As  a  caustic,  cuprum  sulphuricuni,  or  chloride  of  lime,  to  sprinkle  on. 

Capped-Hock.  —  A  swelling  of  the  i»oint  of  the  hock  hehind,  caus- 
ed by  an  enlargement  of  a  sac,  containing  synovial  fluid. 

H.  R. — If  the  sickness  is  not  for  advanced  —  warm  and  movahle  —  arnica;  if 
firmly  seated  —  sulphur ;  if  with  convulsively-contracting  lameness  —  rhus-toxico- 
dendron;  if  moist,  with  a  soft  spot  —  silicea;  if  of  very  long  standing  —  conium, 
clematis,  and  mercurius-vivus. 

A.  R.  —  Ice  bandages.  After  two  or  three  days,  apply  cold  watei\  with  one- 
eighth  part  of  No.  2.  In  some  cases,  warm  bandages  will  be  found  useful.  If  no 
improvement  is  apparent,  then  blister  with  No.  5  or  G ;  and  if  the  sickness  is  of 
very  long  standing,  firing  must  be  used. 

Clap  of  the  Sixews.  —  (Sec  Plate  II,  Fig.  I,  Xo.  22.)  An  in- 
flammation, mth  swelling  and  pain  of  the  sinews,  rendering  them 
powerless.     They  frequently  harden,  and  pass  into  grogginess. 

H.  R.  —  If  caused  by  bruising,  blows,  or  over-exertion,  use  arnica,  externally 
and  internally.  Internally,  rhus-toxicodendron,  jihosphorus.  silicia,  sepia.  If  the 
disease  be  very  obdurate,  ^vith  severe  swellings,  conium,  mercurius-solubilis, 
licopodium,  belladonna,  china,  sulphur. 

A.  R. — Baths  of  warm  soap-suds;  also,  washings  and  baths  of  a  decoction  of 
hay,  and  every  other  day  a  rubbing  of  the  affected  parts,  three  times  a  day, 
with  ointment  of  quicksilver.  River  baths,  and  rubbing  with  new  mm,  are  of  great 
service  sometimes.  In  very  obdurate  cases,  blister  with  No.  ii  or  G.  The  last  re- 
sort is  firing. 

Colic.  —  This  is  a  very  common  disease,  beginning  with  an  apjtcar- 
ance  of  uneasiness ;  the  horse  paws  his  litter,  sometimes  makes  inef- 
fectual attempts  to  stall,  stamps  Avith  his  feet,  gathers  up  his  legs  and 
lies  down  heavily,  groans  and  looks  round,  rolls  on  his  back,  etc.  It 
produces  an  irregularity  in  the  passage  of  the  food  through  the  intes- 
tinal canal,  and  causes  great  pain. 

H.  R. — From  one  to  three  doses  of  aconite;  afterwards,  arsenicnm  :  with  cos- 
tiveness,  only  one  dose.  If  the  pain  is  removed  and  the  costiveness  remains,  nux- 
vomica  and  opium  ;  with  retention  of  urine,  cantharides  and  hyoscyannus  :  with 
swollen,  bloated  body,  chamomilla.     When  from  green  food,  colcliicuni.  calcarea. 


12  iiorse-ownek's    guide. 

r 

acetica ;   from  takinj?  cold,  cliaiiioniilla,  alternately  with  aconite  ;    with  thin  duntj, 
of  bad  smell,  Pulsatilla. 

A.  R.  —  Eub  the  flanks  and  the  helly  with  two  ounces  of  oil  of  turpentine;  that 
will  frequently  remove  the  sickness ;  if  not,  let  from  six  to  eight  ounces  of  blood. 
Cover  the  horse  warmly,  and  walk  him  slowly.  Inwardly,  give  No.  9  or  12,  at  first 
every  half  hour.  An  injection  of  warm  soap-suds,  with  a  quarter  of  an  ounce  of 
common  salt,  will  be  of  great  assistance,  and  will  often  be  sufficient  witliout  any 
other  remedy. 

Contraction  of  the  Foot.  —  A  clraAviug  together  of  the  heel- 
walls  of  the  foot,  and  an  accompanying  reduction  of  the  size  of  the 
frog. 

H.  E.  —  Sulphur  and  sepia;  squilla  and  rhus-toxicodendron  will  likewise  help 
much. 

A.  R.  —  Apply  to  a  good  farrier,  and  let  him  shoe  the  horse  with  a  circular 
shoe.  Put  the  horse,  also,  two  or  three  hours  every  day,  into  running  Mater, 
or  into  the  pasture,  without  shoes. 

Corn.  —  A  bruising  of  the  sensible  sole,  and  an  accompanying 
rupture  of  its  blood-vessels  at  the  angles,  between  the  wall  of  the  foot 
and  the  bar. 

H.  E.  —  AVhen  accompanied  by  severe  inflammation,  one  or  two  doses  of  aco- 
nite.    Arnica  inwardly  and  outwardly. 

A.  E.  — First  of  all,  remove  the  cause,  —  the  badly  fitting  shoe,  the  pebble,  etc. 
Then  put  cold  bandages  around,  and  afterwards  warm  ones.  It  Avill  be  necessary, 
frequently,  to  open  the  sole,  and  to  remove  the  blood  or  pus,  and  afterwards  to 
have  the  horse  shod  by  a  skilful  farrier. 

Curb.  —  An  enlargement  of  the  back  part  of  the  hock,  three  or 
four  inches  below  its  point,  and  a  strain  of  the  ligaments  of  the  ten- 
don, or  a  ruptui-e  of  its  sheath,  generally  caused  by  blows. 

II.  E.  —  Arnica,  inside  and  outside.  Ehus-toxicodendron,  conium,  and  sepia, 
when  the  disease  is  of  long  standing. 

A.  E.  — Treatment  same  as  for  Capped-Hock. 

Diabetes.  —  Excessive  discharge  of  watery  urine,  accompanied  by 

thirst  and  debility. 

H.  E.  — Lycopodium  and  mercurius-vivus. 

A.  E.  —  If  the  disease  is  caused  by  cold,  the  horse  must  be  kept  warm,  and 
have  lukewarm  water,  mixed  with  linseed  meal,  for  drink,  and  good  sweet  hay. 
Afterwards,  decoctions  of  willow  (ozier)  and  oak-bark,  given  inwardly,  which 
will  render  good  service.     Eub  also  about  the  kidneys  with  New-England  rum. 


METHODS     OF     CUBE.  13 

Distemper.  —  An  epidemic  catarrlial  fever,  wliicli  spreads  over  a 
whole  countr}^,  at  certain  seasons  of  the  year. 

H.  R.  —  Aconite,  if  tliere  is  inflammation ;  mercurius-vivus,  in  case  of  unnatu- 
ral or  copious  flow  of  saliva  ;  belladonna,  with  swelling  of  tliL'  head;  arsenicum, 
when  the  discharge  from  the  nostrils  continues,  and  M'atery  swelling  ajipears  ; 
bryonia,  after  aconite. 

A.  R.  —  The  horse  must  be  kept  at  an  equal,  warm  temperature ;  in  the  begin- 
ning of  the  disease,  give  No.  9.  As  soon  as  the  discharge  from  the  nose  begins, 
the  liead  is  to  be  steamed,  and  electuary  No.  7  is  to  be  given  besides.  If  the 
glands,  under  the  jaw,  are  swollen,  rub  them  with  No.  10. 

Enteritis  and  Gastritis. — ■Inflammation  of  the  bowels  and 
the  stomach,  with  all  the  vehement  symptoms  of  the  colic. 

H.  E.  —  Aconite  every  ten  or  fifteen  minutes  ;  arsenicum  after  two  hours ;  nux- 
vomica  or  opium,  if  the  costiveness  continues  ;  cantharidcs  or  hyoscyamus,  if 
there  is  retention  of  urine. 

A.  II.  —  Take  from  one  of  the  jugular  veins  one  or  two  quarts  of  blood;  give 
thin  gruel  or  decoction  of  flaxseed  with  castor  oil.  The  whole  belly  should  be 
rubbed  with  two  ounces  of  oil  of  turpentine.  Rub  the  horse  all  over,  and  cover 
liim  warm.  After  the  lajise  of  from  half  an  hour  to  an  hour,  give  No.  12.  Steam- 
ing of  the  whole  back  part  of  the  body  (see  Baths),  and  clysters  of  gruel,  will  be 
of  great  value.     If  mortification  threatens,  give  No.  13. 

Erysipelas  (Quarter-Evil,  Black-Leg).  —  An  inflammation  in 
the  skin.  It  is  simple,  if  mere  swelling  of  the  legs,  with  heat,  great 
pain,  and  difticnlty  of  motion ;  if  after  from  one  to  three  days  small 
pustules  appear,  it  is  called  E.  pustidosmn.  A  decided  s})ecies  of  the 
same  is  Scratches.  Another  kind  is  called  E.  oedernatodes,  decidedly 
limited  towards  the  body,  if  in  the  course  of  from  five  to  ten  hours  an 
impression  made  by  the  finger  will  remain.  JE.  gangrenosus,  if  gan- 
grene should  appear  as  a  further  symptom. 

II.  —  Spare  diet;  light,  soft  feed;  warm,  dry  stabling;  cutting  off  all  draught; 
warm  covering,  and  jjacking  of  the  swollen  parts  in  woolen  blankets. 

H.  R.  —  Aconitum,  belladonna. 

A.  R.  —  Externally,  No.  2G ;  or  fomentations,  with  an  infusion  of  mallows, 
camomile,  or  hay.  Internally,  No.  9,  in  same  cases  ;  clysters,  witii  soap-suds  and 
a  little  salt,  to  remove  obstructions.  Often  the  inflannnation  will  lUsappear,  but 
not  the  swelling;  then  application  of  ointment  of  quicksilver,  and  cold-water 
bandages  will  be  found  serviceable. 

Farcy.  —  A  contagious  disease  of  the  lymphatic  vessels  (Plate  II, 
No.  17,)  and  glands.     Appears  as  small  tumors,  called  farcy-buds  or 


14  IIOKSK-OWXEll's      GUIDE. 

buttons,  on  different  ]);irts  of  tlie  surface  ;  these  become  gra<lu:illy 
soft  or  su2)purate,  and  burst,  becoming  a  foul  ulcer.  Tlie  vessels  look 
like  worms  or  strings.  This  disease  is  intimately  connected  with 
glanders. 

II.  I\.  — Aconite,  if  accoinpanied  with  fever  ami  liot  and  painful  tumors.  Ar- 
senicum and  china,  alternately,  if  the  buds  are  cold ;  rhus-toxicodendron,  sul- 
phur, and  assafa-tida  are  especially  to  be  recommended. 

A.  K.  —  Sound  horses  must  be  immediately  removed  from  tlie  sick  one.  Then 
open  the  pimples  with  a  knife  or  a  lancet ;  wash  the  wounds  thoroughly  with  a 
strong  lotion  of  corrosive  sublimate,  dissolved  in  rectified  spirit,  and  cauterize 
the  wounds  to  the  bottom.  After  three  or  four  days,  wash  them  with  warm  soap- 
suds, moisten  them  with  vinegar,  and  put  common  salt  and  wood  ashes  on  them, 
in  equal  parts.  Internally,  give  daily,  four  ounces  No.  14.  The  animal  should  be 
generously  fed,  kept  clean,  have  sea-baths,  fresh  air,  and  moderate  exercise. 

Fever.  —  This  shows  itself  in  alternating  heat  and  cold,  increased 
thirst,  accelerated  pulse,  redness  of  the  mucous  membrane,  and  a 
foulty  secretion.  It  has  several  degrees.  According  to  their  char- 
acteristics, they  are  classed  as  inflammatory,  putrid,  typhoid,  &c. 
Fever  is,  mostly,  a  health-restoring  disease,  or  the  ally  of  other  evils, 
and  fi-equently  receives  its  name  from  them,  as  inflammatory,  ca- 
tarrhal, bilious  fever,  &c. 

A.  E..  —  After  removing  the  cause,  it  is  well  to  rub  the  horse,  to  produce  the 
necessary  warmth ;  also,  give  a  slight  cathartic  (glauber-salts) .  Give  shorts,  for 
feed,  and  keep  the  animal  in  a  healthy,  dry  stable,  free  from  draught.  Fevers, 
when  mentioned  under  their  respective  names,  have  their  proper  remedies  desig- 
nated in  that  place. 

Fistula.  —  A  deep,  narrow,  callous  ulcer,  Avith  a  narrow  orifice, 
and  Avithout  disposition  to  heal,  arising,  generally,  fi*om  abcesses. 

H.  E. — Pulsatilla,  alternately  with  ledrum  palustre.  Lj'copodium,  when  the 
orifice  is  very  narrow ;  calcarea-carbonica,  in  almost  all  its  different  forms. 

A.  R. — Warm,  spicy,  aromatic  fomentations,  with  salve  No.  IG,  will  frecniently 
cure  the  disease.  In  obstinate  cases  the  ulcer  must  be  opened,  so  that  all  the 
matter  shall  run  out.  Touch  over  with  lunar  caustic,  and  tie  the  wound  up  with 
No.  10.     Frequently  recourse  must  bo  had  to  the  hot  iron. 

Fistula  in  the  Poll,  or  Poll-Evil.  —  A  troublesome  ulcer  on 
the  head. 

For  treatment.  —  See  Fistula. 


METHODS     OF     CURE.  15 

Foot  (Prick  tx  the  Foot).  —  A  wound  of  (lie  laminn?,  by  n  badly- 
cliTven  nail,  or  the  penetration  of  a  sharj)  substance  to  the  sensible 
sole  or  frog. 

Treatment.  —  Extend  the  opening,  and  pour  a  few  drops  of  arnica,  or  balm 
No.  17,  into  the  wound,  and  take  care  that  it  is  kept  clean.  A  few  local  l)aths  or 
cold  application  will  prevent  intlammation. 

Foot  (Pit^iiced,  or  IIoof-bound).  —  (Plato  IV,  Fig.  2.)  Afoot, 
of  which  the  sole,  in  consequence  of  disease,  descends  to  a  level  with, 
or  beloAV,  the  Avail  of  the  hoof.  The  wall  is  bruised  and  })artly 
broken. 

Treatment.  —  Only  a  good  farrier  can  help,  so  tliat  the  horse  may  do  farm- 
work. 

Founder,  Acute.  — •  An  inflammation  of  the  lamina?  of  the  foot 
originating  in  too  hard  work,  or  caused  by  cold.     This  disease  is  not 
confined  to  the  hoof,  l)ut  spreads  over  the  sensible  lamina?,  or  fleshy 
plates  on  the  fi-ont  and  sides  of  the  coflin-boue.     It  is  always  ac- 
companied by  fever, 

H.  E.  —  Aconite,  if  there  is  inflammation  ;  six  drops  every  one,  two,  or  three 
hours.  Bryonia,  when  the  limbs  are  stiff  and  the  joints  swollen ;  six  drops  every 
two  hours.  Veratrum,  if  it  is  brought  on  by  violent  exercise ;  six  drops  every 
two  hours.  Arsenicum,  when  caused  by  bad  or  heating  food,  or  by  a  cold  drink> 
when  overheated.  Rhus-toxicodendron,  if  there  is  much  pain  in  the  feet,  and  the 
animal  is  very  stiff  in  his  movements ;  six  drops  or  eight  globules  three  times  a 
day.  In  the  beginning,  a  cold-water  poultice ;  later,  warm  hay  poultice  on  the 
hoof  will  be  found  useful. 

A.  E.  —  Cold  applications  ;  and  still  better  to  put  the  horse  in  I'unning  water, 
up  to  the  knees.  If  the  disease  is  very  violent,  accompanied  by  violent  fever,  it 
will  be  necessary  to  bleed  him  freely  on  the  jugular  vein  (two  to  three  quarts), 
and  on  both  feet.  Internally,  No.  9  or  13.  After  a  few  days,  warm  fomenta- 
tions will  render  great  service. 

Founder,  Ciiroxic.  —  This  is  a  species  of  founder,  insidious  in  its 
attacks  and  destructive  to  the  horse.  It  produces  less  severe  lame- 
ness than  acute  founder. 

n.  E.  —  Aconite,  arsenicum,  if  attcndt'd  witli  increased  pains.  Elius-toxico- 
dendron,  if  there  is  a  change  for  the  worse,  aftiT  some  exertion. 

A.  E.  —  Local  cold  baths,  pasturing  upon  moist  ground,  will  help  greath'. 
Gastritis.  —  See  Enteritis. 


16  iiokse-owxek's    guide. 

Gall.  —  A  sore,  produced  by  pressure  or  cliafmg  of  the  saddle  or 
harness. 

Treatment.  —  Sec  Bruise. 

Glanders.  —  A  contagious  disease  to  animals  and  man,  frequently 
resulting-  from  neglected  strangles,  common  cold,  distemper,  the  ])rin- 
cijial  symptoms  of  wliicli  are : 

1.  A  sickly  discharge,  sticking  to  the  nostrils. 

2.  A  swelling  of  the  jugular  glands;  they  become  hard,  but  with- 
out pain. 

3.  Ulceration  of  the  mendirane,  lining  the  whole  cavity  of  the 
nose.     (See  Plate  II,  Fig.  I,  Kos.  1,  2,  3,^and  Fig.  II.) 

The  cure  of  tliis  disease  has  been  frequently  asserted ;  but  this  must  have  been 
either  by  mistaking  some  slight  attack  of  distemper  or  chronic  strangles  for  the 
glanders,  or  by  empty  boasting.     Glanders  are  incurable. 

Geease.  —  An  inflammation  of  the  skin  of  the  heels,  with  dis- 
charge of  offensive  matter,  which  renders  them  dry  and  hard,  and 
causes  them  to  crack. 

Treatment.  —  A  clean,  dry  stable,  frequent  washing  with  cold  or  warm  soap- 
suds, and  afterwards  wiped  dry.     Sometimes,  purgative  No.  3  will  do  good. 

Grogginess.  —  A  weakness  and  tottering  condition  of  the  fore 
legs,  accompanied  usually  by  a  knuckling  over  of  the  fetlock-joint.  A 
horse  is  said  to  be  (jroggy^  when  he  has  a  tenderness  or  stiffness 
about  the  feet,  which  causes  him  to  go  in  an  uneasy,  hopping  manner. 
(Plate  II.  No.  31.) 

H.  E.  —  If  the  case  is  recent  —  arnica,  rlius-toxicodendron.  If  of  long  stand- 
ing—  mercurius-solubilis,  conium,  petroleum,  silicea. 

A.  \\.  —  See  Clap  of  the  Sinews. 

Heaves.  —  See  Broken  Wind. 

Hernia.  —  A  ])rotrusion  of  the  intestines  through  a  natural  or  arti- 
ficial opening  in  the  belly  —  rupture.     (See  Plate  II.  No.  34,  35.) 

Treatment.  —  If  it  be  of  recent  date,  make  bolsters  of  oakum,  and  fasten  them 
tightly  around  the  horse  with  a  strap.  Give  internally,  arnica,  and  if  there  is  in- 
fianmiation,  aconite.  When  tlie  hernia  is  strangulated,  a  veterinary  surgeon  can- 
not be  dispensed  with. 


METHODS     OF     CURE.  17 

I&fEES,  Broken".  —  The  skin,  .and  at  times  the  sac  of  llie  joint,  is 
broken,  by  falling  on  the  knees.     (See  Wounds.) 

Local  Ixklammation  is  characterized  by  redness,  swelling,  heat,  and  pain,  and 
may  be  external  or  internal.  The  former,  if  caused  by  pressure,  blows,  etc.,  will 
be  best  abated  by  application  of  cold  water,  either  pure  or  with  one-twelfth  part  of 
No.  2.  When  benefit  is  derived  from  tliese  applications,  then  continue  with  warm 
fomentations  of  hay  or  chamomile,  imtil  the  inflanunation  is  gone.  Should,  how- 
ever, a  hard  swelling  remain,  then  rub  the  spot  with  No.  11. 

Laminitis,  or  Lamexess.  —  See  Founder. 

Lampas.  —  A  swelling,  and  sometimes  tenderness  of  the  roof  of  the 
moiith,  adjoining  the  front  teeth. 

H.  E.  —  Mercurius-vivus,  aconite,  natrum  muriaticum,  and  sulphur. 

A.  H.  —  Soft,  moist  food ;  shorts  for  a  few  days.  The  mouth  must  be  washed, 
besides,  with  a  mixture  of  honey,  vinegar,  and  water,  several  times  every  day. 

Laryngitis.  —  Inflammation  of  the  ui^per  part  of  the  windpipe, 
called  larynx.  Symptoms,  drawn-u])  neck,  difficulty  in  swallowing, 
snorting,  sometimes  a  dry  cough,  combined  with  all  the  symptoms  of 
a  catarrhal  fever. 

H.  R.  —  Aconite.  Belladonna,  when  there  is  difficulty  in  swallowing.  Spongia, 
if  swollen.     Mercurius-vivus,  if  increased  secretions  of  mucous  in  the  mouth. 

A.  R.— Gruel,  and  soft,  moist  food.  (Shorts.)  In  the  beginning.  No.  9,  in- 
ternally; if  cough  becomes  loose,  and  expectoration  takes  place.  No.  7.  Rub 
externally,  with  No.  10 ;  afterwards,  steaming  through  the  mouth.     (See  Baths.) 

Locked-Jaw.  —  A  constant  spasm,  and  rigidity  of  all  the  volun- 
tary muscles.     Usually  fatal ;  a  cure  will  rarely  succeed. 

H.  R.  —  Nux- vomica,  five  or  six  times ;  afterwards,  arsenicum  and  nux-vomica 
alternately.    Ipecacuanha,  if  the  ai)petite  does  not  return  after  the  disease  is  cured. 

A.  R.  —  Perfect  rest.  The  horse  must  not  be  frightened  at  all.  Steam  baths 
have  sometimes  helped ;  at  other  times,  baths  of  warm  soap-suds  or  ley ;  or,  finally, 
constant  rubbing  all  over  the  body.  When  congestions  occur,  applications  of  cold 
water,  or  even  ice,  will  help  greatly.  With  costiveness,  clysters  of  warm  soap- 
suds.    Squirting  cold  water  into  the  mouth  will  help  materially. 

Luxation.  —  A  partial  displacement  of  the  bones  of  a  joint. 

H.  R.  —  Arnica,  inside  and  outside.     Rhus-toxicodendron. 

A.  R.  —  Application  of  cold  water,  or  even  ice,  to  prevent  inflammation.  After- 
wards, rub  on  No.  11. 

3 


18  iiokse-owner's    guide. 

Mallexders.  —  Scurvy  onii»tions  on  tlic  back  side  of  the  knee  of 
tlie  fore-leg,  or  on  the  bend  of  the  knee. 

H.  R.  —  Scabissinum  equorum,  and  thuja.  Sulphur,  as  an  after-cure.  Petro- 
leum, with  lameness. 

A.  R.  —  Frequent  wasliing  with  soap-suds,  or  diUitcd  ley.  If  the  disease  is  of 
long  standing,  moisten  -with  No.  18,  besides  washing  as  above. 

Mange.  —  A  disease  whicli  manifests  itself  in  the  skin,  and  causes 
a  horse  to  rub  himself  continually. 

Treatment.  —  Bring  the  horse  frequently  into  the  open  air ;  keep  him  perfectly 
clean,  and  wash  him  every  day. 

Megrims.  —  See  Staggers. 

Moon-Blindness.  —  See  Oi^thalmia. 

Nasal  Gleet.  —  An  increased  and  thickened  discharge  from  the 
nostrils.  A  symjitom  of  glanders,  or  other  diseases  of  the  respiratory 
organs. 

A.  R.  —  Inhalation  of  the  vapor  of  steeped  hay,  or  of  hot  vinegar,  or  rosin, 
thrown  on  hot  coals,  will  abate  the  discharge,  if  the  cause  of  the  disease  is 
removed. 

Navicular  Disease.  —  Inflammation,  or  anchylosis  (growing  to- 
gether) at  the  joint  formed  by  the  coffin-bone  and  the  lower  postern- 
bone,  in  connection  Avith  the  navicular  bone.  (An  inflammation  of 
the  internal  parts  of  the  hoof)  • 

11.  R.  —  Aconite,  conium,  arsenicum,  and  mcrcurius-vivus. 

A.  R.  —  Cold  baths,  and  cold-water  applications;  afterwards,  warm  fomenta- 
tions.    No.  5,  rubbed  in,  will  materially  assist  the  cure. 

Optiialmia.  —  A  frequently-occurring  disease  of  the  eyes.  Simi^le, 
causes  mechanical ;  a  mere  inflammation  of  the  eyes,  and  sometimes 
its  lids. 

H.  R.  —  Aconituni,  internally;  externally,  arnica-tincture,  diluted  with  water, 
as  poultice. 

A.  R.  — Leadwater,  externally;  if  very  painful,  add  twenty  drops  laudanum  to 
each  ounce  of  the  leadwater. 


METHODS      OF     CUKE.  19 

Opthalmia,  Periodica  (Moon-Blixdness). —  Symptoms  much 
the  same  as  simple  Opthalmia.  The  tears  appear  muddy,  and  the 
jnipil  closed.  The  disease  disappears  after  fi-om  three  to  ten  days ; 
i'eap2)ears  at  regular  intervals,  and  Avill  end  in  Albugo,  if  neglected. 

II.  E. — Euphrasia,  natruiii-iiuiriaticuni,  antiiiioniuni-cruduni,  Pulsatilla. 

Oi'TiiALMiA,  Riieujiatk'A.  —  Caused  by  internal  rheumatic  inilam- 
mations,  always  accompanied  by  fever.  Little  swelling  and  redness, 
great  pain,  and  sharp  tears. 

R.  —  Treat  the  original  disease.  Cover  the  eyes  with  dry  aromatic  herbs,  in 
bags.     Protect  the  animal  against  dampness  and  draught. 

Palsy  ok  Pakalysis.  —  A  loss  of  muscular  power,  or  an  inability 
to  move  any  part  of  the  body. 

H.  R.  —  Aconite,  arsenicum,  arnica,  belladonna,  bryonica,  cocculus,  calcarea 
carbonica,  causticum,  dulcamara,  rhus-toxicodendron,  ruta,  nux-A'omica,  sulphur. 

A.  R.  —  Rub  hard,  with  dry  flannel  or  straw;  then  cold-water  applications. 
Rub  the  lame  part,  twice  a  day,  with  oleum  phosphoratum.     (See  No.  19.) 

PoLL-EviL.  —  See  Fistula  in  the  Head. 

QuARTEK-CKACK.  —  Scc  Saiid-ci'ack. 

Quarter-evil.  —  See  Erysipelas. 

QuiTTOK.  —  A  deeply-seated  ulceration  in  the  foot,  mostly  the  re- 
sult from  a  neglected  or  badly-treated  wound.  Symptoms  are,  a 
jtainfully-inflamed  swelling  on  the  coronet  of  the  hoot"  with  one  or 
more  small  su])purating  openings. 

R.  —  If  matter  has  collected,  the  sole  of  the  hoof  must  be  opened.  Salve  No.  15 
or  16,  applied  twice  daily,  after  a  half-hour's  fomentation  with  an  infusion  of  hay, 
each  time,  will  be  found  very  serviceable.     For  the  rest,  see  Fistula. 

Rheumatism.  —  An  inflamed,  irritated  condition  of  the  sinewy 
structures,  affecting  chiefly  the  parts  around  the  shoulders,  hips,  and 
kidneys.  Causes-.  —  Sudden  changes  of  Aveather,  peculiar  condition  of 
atmospheric  electricity,  too  cold  diet,  and  catching  cold  generally. 

Spare  diet,  warmth,  and  often-repeated  rubbing  of  the  suffering  \y,\ris,  with 
straw  or  woolen,  will  cure  most  new  cases. 

II.  R.  —  If  very  lame,  Ijryonia ;  if  overworked,  rhus-toxicodendron  or  veratrum  ; 
arsenicum,  if  caused  by  cold  drink  or  food. 

A.  R.  —  Rub  with  No.  11.  Even  blister  with  No.  5  or  G.  If  feverish,  No.  9  or 
12,  internally. 


20  horse-owner's    guide. 

Ringbone.  —  A  bony  excrescence  on  tlie  lower  part  of  the  jiostern, 
generally,  but  not  always,  causing  lameness. 

H.  K. — Rhus-tox,  aftcnvards  arnica,  calcarca,  jodium,  l^-copodiuni,  nicrcurius- 
solubilis,  and  silicca. 

A.  11.  —  Perfect  rest;  if  accompanied  witli  inflannnation,  cold--\\-ator  applica- 
tions, even  with  one-twelfth  part  of  No.  2.  Should  this  not  help,  then  blister  the 
sick  part  with  No.  5,  or  use  the  firing. 

KoARiNG.  —  A  disease  which  takes  its  name  from  the  wheezing 
noise  the  horse  makes  in  breathing,  Avhen  })ut  in  quick  motion.  It 
is  caused  by  a  contraction  or  effusion  of  lynaph  in  the  throat. 

Sallenders.  —  See  Mallenders. 

Sand-crack.  Cow-crack  or  Toe-crack.  Quarter-crack. — 
See  Plate  II,  Nos.  28,  46,  47. 

H.  R. — Arnica,  phosjihoriis,  sepia,  silicia,  squilla,  sulphur.  In  shoeing  the 
horse,  trim  the  sides  of  the  crack,  to  prevent  their  touching  the  iron ;  keep  the 
crack  clean,  fill  it  -with  No.  23,  and  rub  the  coronet  with  No.  24.  Sometimes  an 
operation  will  be  necessary. 

■SeAB.  —  /Si/)nptoms.  The  animal  keeps  rubbing  against  any  hard 
object.  It  will  also  scratch  and  gnaw  itself  with  feet  and  teeth. 
Small  knots  and  humid  blisters  will  appear  on  the  skin,  the  hair  Avill 
entangle  and  fall  out,  especially  on  the  croup,  shoulders,  and  the 
inner  side  of  the"  thighs.  Strengthening  food  and  cleanliness  are  cap- 
ital remedies. 

H.  R.  —  If  humid,  sulphur,  rhus-toxicodendron ;  if  dry,  knotty,  and  scurfy, 
staphisagria,  sulphur;  with  boils,  arsenicum;  if  obstinate,  and  combined  with 
cough,  carbo-vegetabilis  ;  if  scaly,  with  loss  of  hair,  dulcamara ;  if  the  irruption  is 
in  groups,  clematis ;  watery-pus,  jacea ;  on  the  appearance  of  skin-scratches,  sar- 
saparilla;  scab  on  the  tail-root,  staphisagria,  sepia,  sulphur;  in  combination  with 
scratches,  thuja ;  scab  in  the  mane,  vinca. 

^_  R.  —  Rub  the  diseased  part  well  with  a  mixture  of  one  part  coal-tar  and  two 
parts  soft-soap,  and  wash  clean,  the  following  day,  mth  warm  water.  Repeat  tills 
process  every  other  day,  until  cured.  Keep  the  animal  warm  and  well  covered  all 
the  time. 

Scratches.  —  A  species  of  erysipelas  in  the  pastern-joint,  Avhich 
soon  becomes  a  sore,  with  a  singular  fluid.  Horses  affected  with  them 
walk  lame  on  leaving  the  stable.     A  dry  stable,  light  feed,  and  fre- 


METHODS     OF     CURE.  21 

qucnt  Avashing  of  the  sore  arc  absolutely  necessary  to  complete  tlic 
cure. 

PI.  R.  — Thuja. 

A.  K.  —  A  bath  of  warm  soap-suds,  once  or  twice  a  day,  lias  always  had  a  good 
effect.  Internally,  give  No.  9,  without  the  addition  of  saltpetre.  If  the  smell 
from  the  sore  becomes  too  offensive,  powder  it  with  charcoal  dust.  If  hardening 
should  take  place,  use  ointment  of  quicksilver.  The  last  resort  is  caustic,  and 
even  firing.     Cathartic  No.  3  has  proved  valuable,  sometimes. 

Spavix  (Bon^e).  —  A  bony  enlargement  (luxation)  of  the  lower 
l)art  of  the  back-joint,  on  the  inner  side  of  the  leg,  with  more  or  less 
inflammation. 

n.  R.  —  If  the  joint  be  very  warm,  arnica  and  rhus-tox.  Mercurius-solubilis, 
if  the  spavin  be  fully  developed  with  lameness.  Pulsatilla,  iodium,  if  accompanied 
with  painful  swelling. 

A.  R.  —  Application  of  cold  water  or  even  ice,  with  one-twelfth  part  of  No.  2. 
If  the  inflammation  be  moderate,  it  must  be  washed  with  warm  soap-suds  ;  after- 
wards, vesicatory  No.  5  or  (!.  Should  this  not  help,  the  firing  must  be  used. 
(See  Plate  II,  Fig.  1,  No.  41.) 

Spavin  (Blood). — Varix  (rupture  of  the  veins)  of  the  cannon-bone 
vein,  on  the  inside  of  the  hock-joint. 

H.  R. — Rhus-tox.     Afterwards,  iodium,  arnica,  thuja. 

A.  R.  —  If  the  disease  is  of  recent  date,  application  of  cold  water,  and  properly- 
arranged  bandages,  will  be  of  great  service. 

Spavin  (Bog).  —  A  soft  or  hard  swelling  on  the  inside  of  the  hock- 
joint,  from  expansion  of  the  joint  sac,  which  contains  synovia. 

H.  R.  —  In  the  beginning,  arnica,  rhus-tox ;  after  some  time,  belladonna ;  later, 
Pulsatilla,  thuja,  arsenicum,  and  iodium. 

A.  R.  —  If  there  be  inflammation,  frequent  applications  of  cold  water,  mixed 
with  one-twelfth  part  of  No.  2.  If  the  sickness  be  of  long  standing,  blistering- 
plaster  No.  5  or  C,  and  if  that  should  not  help,  the  firing  nmst  be  usetl. 

Speedy-Cut.  —  A  wound  on  the  inside  of  the  fore-leg,  near  the 
knee,  made  by  the  striking  of  the  shoe  of  the  ojtposite  foot  in  fast 
travelling. 

Remedies.  —  See  Wounds. 

Splint  or  Splent.  —  Bony  excrescences,  which  grow  on  tlie  in- 
side of  the  shank-bone.     They  are  generally  caused  by  the  striking 


22  11  O  R  S  E  -  O  AV  N  E  II '  8      GUIDE. 

of  the  shoe  of  the  opposite  foot  when  traveUing  fast.  Is  frequently 
tlie  consequence  of  a  Speedy-cut,  and  shoukl  he  treated  like  Ring- 
bone. 

Staggers  or  Megrims. — A  rushing  of  blood  to  the  head,  causing 
temporary  unconsciousness,  and  often  causing  the  horse  to  stagger  or 
fall. 

II.  E.  —  Aconite.  With  severe  attacks,  strammonium  and  coculus.  Arnica, 
with  drowsiness.     China  or  belladonna  may  be  also  given  witli  advantage. 

A.  K. — Give  but  little  nutritious  food;  bran,  with  much  water,  take  from  two 
to  three  quarts  of  blood ;  give  No.  9,  internally. 

Strangles.  —  A  disease  sometimes  called  Cold  Distemper^  with 
inflammation  and  swelling  of  the  glands,  under  the  jaw.  The  breath- 
ing rendered  diflicult;  at  times  the  glands  break,  discharges  pus, 
and  the  horse  recovers.  Easily-digestible  food  —  bran,  with  water  — 
will  frequently  cure  the  disease,  if  the  horse  is  kept  warm. 

II.  R.  —  Aconite,  dulcamara,  belladonna,  and  hepar  sulphuris. 

A.  R.  —  Keep  the  swelling  warm,  rub  with  No.  10,  and  treat  it  similarly  to 
distemper. 

Stranguary.  —  Inflammation  of  the  bladder,  and  of  its  neck,  A 
disease  which  seldom  occurs.     Symjitoms  very  much  like  colic. 

H.  R.  —  Aconite  every  fifteen  minutes;  then,  cantharides,  and  at  last,  hy- 
osciamus. 

A.  R.  —  Take  immediately  from  two  to  three  quarts  of  blood  ;  every  hour  some 
thin  gruel,  with  one  or  two  drachms  of  potash  of  nitre.  Externally,  fomentations 
of  hay  all  along  the  spine  in  the  flanks.     Rubbing  with  No.  11. 

Light  farinaceous  food  and  thin  gruel,  besides  keeping  the  horse  warm. 

Tetaxus.  —  See  Locked-Jaw. 

Thorough-pin.  —  A  sort  of  wind-galls,  or  swelling  upon  tlie  hock, 
and  between  the  cord  and  the  bone.  It  can  be  pressed  through  from 
side  to  side. 

II.  R.  —  Arnica,  rlms-tox,  lycopodium,  arsenic,  belladonna,  Pulsatilla,  to  be 
given  successively. 

A.  R.  —  With  recent  cases,  cold-water  applications.  With  cases  of  long  stand- 
ing, rub  in  No.  5  or  G,  or  use  the  firing. 


ISrETHODS     OF     CURE. 


23 


Thrush,  —  A  softening  of  tlic  frog  of  the  foot,  ficcompanied  by 
an  oflfensivc  discharge  of  pus.  Clean,  dry  stabling,  is  required  first 
of  all. 

H.  R.  —  Spiritus-siilphuratiis. 

A.  R.  —  Wash,  with  half  ounce  of  chloride  of  lime  in  a  pint  of  water.  Strew 
it  with  charcoal  powder,  or  burnt  lime. 

Tread.  —  A  Avound  of  the  coronet,  inflicted  by  other  feet. 

H.  R.  —  Arnica,  internally  and  externally.  Lachesis,  if  the  disease  has  been 
neglected. 

A.  R.  —  Wash  with  cold  water,  bandage  afterwards  with  No.  2,  and  tie  it  up 
well. 

TIic  wound  must  be  washed  and  kept  clean. 

Warts.  —  Spongy  excrescences,  which  arise  in  various  parts  of  the 
body.     They  often  disappear  without  any  medical  aid, 

H.  R. — If  hard  and  dry,  dulcamara,  sulphur;  with  formation  of  boils,  arseni- 
cum ;  bloody  and  painful,  causticum ;  humid,  tlnija,  sepia;  small,  in  great  num- 
bers on  the  lips,  calcaria-carbonica. 

A.  R.  —  Single,  with  pedicles,  may  be  under-bound  with  waxed  silk  thread. 
Large  warts  may  be  cut  out  with  the  knife,  and  the  root  fired. 

Wind-galls.  —  Elastic  tumors  each  side  of  the  back  sinews,  imme- 
diately above  the  fetlock  joint.     (See  Thorough-pin.) 

Wounds,  —  after  they  have  been  carefully  cleansed  with  cold 
water. 

H.  R.  —  Arnica-water,  externally,  if  the  wound  is  not  deep.  Arnica,  internally 
and  externally,  if  the  wound  is  deeper.  Symphytum,  if  bones  are  injured.  Co- 
nium,  for  wound.s  caused  by  contusion.  Rhus-toxicodcndron,  or  arsenieuni,  for 
wounds  witli  dislocation.  Millefolium,  in  case  of  severe  bleeding,  externally,  by 
means  of  pads  of  oakum,  tinder,  or  even  spiders'  webs.  Aconite  and  arnica,  al- 
ternately, taken  internally,  with  strong  inflammation  and  fever.  Mercurius  and 
assofoetida,  when  they  smell  badly,  and  suppurate.  Chamomilla,  sepia,  arseni- 
cum,  when  proud  flesh  begins  to  form. 

A.  R. — If  the  bleeding  is  severe,  sprinkle  plenty  of  flour  starch,  gum-arabic, 
or  rosin  upon  it,  and  tie  it  up  carefully.  Quite  as  useful  are  pads  of  oakuiu, 
moistened  with  a  solution  of  alum  and  suliihate  of  iron  in  vinegar  and  spirits 


24  horse-owner's    guide. 

of  wine  (alcohol).  In  case  of  very  severe  bleeding,  apply  firing  until  a  scab 
forms.  If  a  severe  inflammation  sets  in,  moisten  the  afflicted  part,  frequently, 
with  No.  2.  Many  -wounds  will  heal  immediately ;  if  not,  suppuration  begins, 
which  must  be  assisted  by  applying  the  suppurating  salves  Ko.  15  or  IG,  until 
healed.  Proud  flesh  is  removed  by  putting  sugar,  burnt  alum,  or  tobacco-asUes 
on,  or  by  sprinkling  with  lunar  caustic. 


RECIPES 


REFERRED    TO    IN    THE    TREATMENT    OF    DISEASES. 


1.  Sulphate  of  zinc,  two  drachms;  water,  ten  ounces;  dissolve,  and 
add  tincture  of  oiHuni  and  tincture  of  arnica,  of  each  about  half  an 
ounce. 

2.  Tincture  of  arnica  and  vinegar  of  lead,  equal  parts  of  each, 
mixed  with  twelve  parts  of  water,  for  poultice. 

3.  Hepatic  aloes,  one  ounce ;  calomel,  half  drachm ;  castile  soap, 
half  ounce ;  form  them  into  a  mass  with  mucilage  of  gum-arabic. 
Pill,  for  pm'ging,  to  be  given  in  one  dose. 

4.  Oil  of  rosemary,  two  drachms ;  spirit  of  wine,  two  ounces ; 
water,  eight  ounces.     Externally,  to  rub  with. 

5.  Spanish  flies  (cantharides),  two  drachms,  mixed  with  oil  of  lau- 
rel, one  ounce.     Acid  salve,  to  rub  with. 

6.  Tartar-emetic,  one  part ;  hog's  lard,  two  parts ;  mixed.  Acid 
salve,  to  rub  with. 

7.  Golden  sulphuret  of  antimony,  two  drachms ;  sal  ammonia,  one 
and  a  half  ounces ;  aniseseed  and  flaxseed,  of  each  four  ounces ;  sulphate 
of  soda,  twelve  ounces ;  honey  (or  molasses),  two  pounds.  Mix  and 
beat  them  together,  so  as  to  form  an  electuary,  for  the  chest.  To 
be  given  daily,  every  three  hours,  each  time  a  ball  of  the  size  of  a 
hen's  egg. 

8.  Root  of  elecampane,  eight  ounces ;  aniseseed,  four  ounces ;  sul- 
phur, three   ounces ;   spirits   of  turj^entine,   one   ounce ;   honey   (or 

4 


2G  horse-owner's    guide. 

molasses),  one  and  n,  lialf  ])ouik1s.  Mix  and  beat  them  tOGjethcr, 
so  as  to  form  an  electuary.  Every  three  hours,  as  much  as  the  size 
of  a  hen's  egg. 

9.  Nitrate  of  potassa  and  sulphur,  of  each  about  two  ounces ;  flax- 
seed, four  ounces;  sulphate  of  soda,  twelve  ounces;  water.  Mix 
and  beat  them  together,  so  as  to  form  an  electuary.  Every  one  or 
two  hours,  as  much  as  the  size  of  a  hen's  egg. 

10.  Spirits  of  turpentine,  half  ounce ;  hog's  lard,  two  ounces ;  mix- 
ed.    Used  for  rubbing  with,  in  the  morning,  noon,  and  evening. 

11.  Soap,  half  ounce ;  camphor,  half  ounce ;  spirit  of  ammonia,  one 
ounce ;  spirit  of  wine,  eight  ounces ;  tincture  of  opium ;  mixed.  To 
rub  with,  three  or  four  times  a  day. 

12.  Nitrate  of  potassa,  two  ounces ;  sulj^hate  of  soda,  twelve  o\mces ; 
flaxseed,  four  ounces;  water.  Mix  them,  and  fonn  an  electuary. 
Every  one  or  two  hours,  as  much  as  the  size  of  a  hen's  egg. 

13.  Camphor,  two  drachms ;  nitrate  of  potassa,  two  ounces ;  flax- 
seed one  ounce ;  molasses,  three  ounces.  Mix  them,  and  form  an 
electuary.     To  be  given  three  times,  at  intervals  of  half  an  hour. 

14.  Sulphuret  of  antimony,  three  pounds ;  root  of  gentian,  two 
pounds;  hemlock,  two  ounces;  sjiirits  of  turpentine,  four  ounces. 
Rub  them  together,  to  a  powder. 

15.  Venice  tuipentine,  two  ounces;  honey,  one  and  a  half  ounces. 
Mixed.     Suppurative  salve. 

16.  Venice  turpentine,  one  ounce.  Mix  and  grind  with  the  yolk 
of  one  egg.     Suppurative  salve. 

17.  Gum-benzoin,  in  powder,  and  hepatic  aloes,  of  eacli  one  ounce ; 
spirit  of  wine,  six  ounces.  Digest,  with  a  gentle  heat,  for  two  or 
three  days,  and  filter.    Balsam  for  wounds. 

18.  Spirit  of  ammonia,  half  ounce;  sulphate  of  copper,  one  ounce; 
alum  and  verdigris,  of  each  one  drachm ;  water,  one  pint.  Dissolve, 
for  external  use. 


RECIPES.  27 

19.  Phosphorus,  half  ounce ;  linseed-oil,  eight  ounces.  Dissolve. 
To  rub  with,  once  a  day.  —  N.  B.  Must  be  prepared  by  a  practical 
apothecary. 

20.  Spirits  of  wine  and  extract  of  lead  (No.  22),  of  each,  one 
ounce  ;  Avater,  one  2>ound  ;  mixed.     Leadwater,  for  external  i;se. 

21.  Tincture  of  Arnica.  —  Flowers  of  arnica,  four  ounces;  spirit 
of  wine,  one  pound.  Digest,  with  a  gentle  heat,  for  two  days,  and 
filter. 

22.  Extract  of  Lead.  —  Litharge,  four  ounces ;  sugar  of  lead,  six 
ounces ;  water,  distilled,  sixteen  ounces.  Digest,  with  a  gentle  heat, 
for  six  days,  and  filter. 

23.  Cerate.  —  Mutton-tallow,  yellow  wax,  rosin,  Venice  turpentine, 
each  two  ounces.     Melt  over  a  slow  fire,  and  mix  well. 

24.  Venice  tuii^entine  and  oil  of  laurel,  each  two  ounces ;  hog's 
lard,  one  pound ;  melt  over  a  slow  fire,  and  then  mix  thoroughly  with 
two  oimces  of  juice  of  onions. 

25.  Spirit  of  Camphor. — Cam2)lior,  one  ounce ;  alcohol,  one  })ound. 
Dissolve. 

26.  Goulard'' s  Water.  —  Spirit  of  Camphor  (No.  24),  one  ounce; 
extract  of  lead  (No.  22),  one  ounce ;  water,  one  pound.    Mix  well. 


28  iiokse-owner's    guide. 


HOW    TO    BUY    A    HORSE. 


In  order  to  make  a  thorough  examination,  it  becomes  necessary  to 
consider  the  height  and  condition  of  the  horse,  not  only  in  the  stable, 
but  also  when  led  out  of  the  stall,  and  outside  the  stable ;  in  a  state 
of  repose,  and  in  motion. 

Horses  are  measured  with  taj^e  and  rule.  The  taj^e-measure  is 
somewhat  decei:)tive,  as  a  low  horse,  with  a  well-rounded,  fleshy 
shouldei*,  may  measure  as  much  as  a  taller  but  thinner  animal.  The 
rule  is,  therefore,  to  be  preferred  ;  this  is  a  simple  stick,  with  a  short, 
movable  arm,  at  right  angles ;  the  long  part  is  divided  into  inches. 
To  measure  a  horse  correctly,  it  should  stand  jierfectly  level,  and 
care  taken  that  the  seller  practices  no  tricks,  such  as  putting  the  fore 
arm  on  higher  ground ;  chucking  it  under  the  chin,  to  make  it  hold 
up  its  head,  or  even  grasping  the  mane  fi-om  the  opj^osite  side, 
apparently  for  the  puii^ose  of  noticing  the  measurement.  Notice 
should  be  taken,  also,  whether  the  horse  is  shod  or  unshod  ;  Avhether 
the  shoes  are  high  or  low.  To  secure  a  good  span,  the  height  of  the 
head  should  be  observed ;  also,  position  and  movement  of  the  crest 
(neck),  A  good  match,  as  to  color,  is  of  less  consequence  than  a  simi- 
larity of  temper.  The  examination,  in  the  stable,  is  a  delicate  matter. 
A  horse  which  lies  down,  and,  on  being  called,  does  not  rise  quickly, 
generally  suffers  from  bad  feet ;  a  tired  animal  stands  on  two  or  three 
legs,  and  is  apt  to  lean  its  head  against  the  manger ;  this,  however, 
is  the  case  also  with  lazy  horses.  Crib-biters  are  easily  found  out,  if 
the  seller  has  not  previously  smeared  the  crib  with  soap  or  grease. 

Perfectly  sound  and  kind  horses  look  at  persons  entering  the 
stable,  pleasantly  and  feai'lessly,  and  not  unfrequcntly  neigh.  Tricky 
ones  lay  back  their  ears,  snort  and  snap.  Shy  horses  always  act 
timid  and  frightened.  Slow  eating,  and  difficult,  audible  swallowing, 
are  signs  of  trouble  in  the  gullet.  Biting  of  crib  and  halter,  also  a 
dra-s\Ti-up  belly,  betoken  animals  that  feed  poorly.  Worms,  in  young 
horses,  are  easily  detected ;  the  horse  thus  affected,  rubs  its  muzzle 
against  the  crib.     Horses  affected  with  the  staggers  take  large  quan- 


now    TO     BUY    A    HORSE.  29 

titles  of  liay  out  of  the  rack,  throw  it  clown,  eat  it  slowly,  and  at 
intervals,  scciuingly  hstcnint;;  as  if  surprised.  They  keep  their  food 
in  the  mouth  for  a  long  time  Avithout  swallowing  it,  and  ha^■e  a  dull, 
fixed  look ;  they  also  push  their  heads  against  the  wall,  or  into  a  dark 
corner.  It  is  an  often-practised  trick  with  dealers  to  drop  some  oil 
into  the  ears  of  such  horses,  or  a  little  cayenne  pepper  applied  to  the 
passage,  to  make  them  look  attentive  and  spirited.  Broken-winded 
horses  have  a  short,  dull  cough,  with  a  double  beating  of  the  flanks. 

Are  the  horse's  feet  on  a  level,  and  one  hip  higher  than  the  other  ? 
then  he  is  one-sided.  If  perceptible  in  any  other  position,  it  must  be 
the  result  of  disease  in  the  muscular  jjart  of  the  croup. 

Stiff  hairs  in  the  tail,  and  bare  places  on  the  same,  indicate  itching ; 
sore  spots,  suppurated  sores,  or  scabs,  betray  the  scab.  Horses  with 
visible  or  invisible  spavin,  are  loath  to  step  from  one  side  to  the 
other.     Wind-galls  seldom  impair  the  usefulness  of  the  animal. 

Clap  of  the  sinews  betrays  itself  through  swelling  and  pain  in  the 
tendon,  hindering  the  horse  from  stepping  firmly,  which  ultimately 
results  in  a  stiff  foot. 

The  mallenders,  apjiearing  mostly  in  the  hind  pastern-joints,  are 
recognized  by  more  or  less  deep  cracks  and  sores,  emitting  an  un- 
pleasant, bad-smelling  fluid.  This  sign  distinguishes  it  from  wounds 
caused  by  overreaching.  Neglected  cracks,  with  warts  covered  with 
stiff,  bristly  hairs,  are  the  indication  of  malignant  mallenders,  known 
under  the  name  of  crown-scab.  The  hinder  hoofs  should  be  well 
examined,  particularly  the  coronet,  to  see  about  wounds  from  striking. 
Look  well  at  the  frog,  to  see  if  there  are  any  iilcers  or  cancer ;  the 
latter  disease  may  be  considered  incurable. 

The  examination  or  the  horse,  outside  the  stable,  relates 
jjarticularly  to  eyes,  muzzle,  and  nose.  The  contraction  and  expan- 
sion of  the  pupil  of  the  eye  deseixes  special  attention.  Amaurosis 
may  be  recognized  by  an  immovable  pupil,  and  a  beautiful  black  col- 
oring of  the  eye. 

Albugo  may  be  detected  by  a  speck,  of  a  Avhite  or  mother-of-pearl 
color,  in  the  eye,  or  a  turbid  look  of  the  same.  Closed  eyelids,  with 
inflammation  and  watery  flow,  are  mostly  the  cause  of  some  hay  or 
dust,  or  even  of  whii)-cuts,  and  seldom  dangerous.  The  last-men- 
tioned cause  is  frequently  adduced  by  unprincii)lcd  horse-dealers, 
as  a  pretext  to  conceal  more  dangerous  evils ;  and  the  utmost  cau- 
tion is  needed.  Slight  inflammation  and  dimness  of  the  eye  result, 
sometimes,  from  the  shedding  of  the  teeth.  Is  one  eye  smaller  than 
the  other,  it  indicates  impaired  or  lost  sight.     Wrinkles  in  the  upper 


30  nOKSE-OW^TER's      GUIDE. 

eyelid  betray  a  weak  sight.  Periodical  inflammation  of  the  eyes 
may  be  recognized  by  the  peculiar  position  of  the  inside  corner  of 
the  eye,  continuous  slight  flow  of  tears,  hairless  shiny  spots  below 
the  eyes,  and  shunning  the  light. 

Next  in  order,  comes  the  examination  of  the  mouth.  Find  out 
the  age,  but  be  not  deceived  by  artilicially-marked  teeth.  Often 
the  dealer  likes  his  horse  .to  seem  older  than  he  really  is,  which  he 
effects  by  drawing  two  milk-teeth,  thus  making  the  horse  appear 
one  year  older.  If  the  fore  and  middle  teeth  appear  badly  woni, 
it  indicates  a  crib-biter.  Knots  on  the  lips,  as  large  or  larger  than 
peas,  betray  fiircy  ;  also  knots  and  stringy  swellings  on  the  throat, 
the  ribs,  and  the  inner  part  of  the  hind-leg.  The  nose  and  throat 
deserve  careful  looking  into.  A  greenish  yellow  or  whitish  flow, 
from  one  or  both  nostrils,  more  or  less  swelling  of  the  glands  of 
the  throat,  and  a  coiigh,  with  expectoration  of  i^hlegm,  shows  the 
strangles.  Suppuration  of  the  glands  of  the  throat  results  from  the 
same  cause,  and  are  not  dangerous.  A  sticky,  ash-grey  flow  fi'om 
the  nose,  and  milk-white  membrane,  with  a  hard,  movable,  and  almost 
painless  appearance  of  the  glands  of  the  throat,  are  bad  signs ;  but 
if,  at  the  same  time,  there  are  ulcers  on  the  inside  partition  of  the 
nose,  then  it  is  a  complete  case  of  glanders. 

Dishonest  dealers  clean  nose  and  nostrils,  put  oil  or  fat  inside, 
to  produce  an  easy  flow,  and  prevent  the  hardening  of  the  same. 
They  also  employ  caustic  to  produce  a  healthy  appearance  of  the 
glands. 

The  examination  of  the  horse,  out  of  the  stable,  should  be  both  in  a 
state  of  repose  and  action.  A  healthy,  lively  animal  breathes,  on 
coming  into  the  air,  easily,  and  with  open  nostrils;  while  a  wind- 
broken  horse  breathes  with  widely-extended  ones,  making  a  singular 
motion  with  the  same.  Horses  thus  affected  are  exercised  before 
the  sale,  which  improves  their  breathing.  Dropping  or  hanging  the 
lower  lip,  is  a  sign  of  prostration.  Mettlesome  horses  are  apt  to 
hang  their  tongues  out.  A  touch  Avith  a  hot  iron  is  the  rogue's  cure 
of  this  fault. 

After  having  carefully  examined  ears,  gullet,  crest,  the  posture  of 
the  head  and  neck,  the  mane,  chest,  withers,  shoulders,  fore-ann, 
knee,  shank,  pastern  and  hoof,  lift  his  fore-foot,  to  look  at  the  sole, 
and  also  to  find  out  whether  the  horse  can  be  shod ;  and  proceed 
likewise  with  his  hind-legs.  Look  also  at  the  spots  where  the  ani- 
mal might  have  been  bled,  or  had  application  of  an  issue,  on  head, 
chest,  belly,  and  throat. 


HOW    TO     BUY    A    nOKSE.  '  31 

Lifting  the  hoof,  (stepping  or  reaching),  and  putting  the  foot  down, 
are  three  actions  which  should  take  place  at  the  same  time,  regu- 
larly, vigorously,  and  quickly.  Horses  with  lame  withers  or  shoul- 
ders, cannot  lift  well  the  leading  fore-foot,  and  are  not  sure  in  the 
act  of  reaching.  A  bad  hoof  is  seen  in  the  incomplete  act  of  stc]?- 
ping  and  treading.  The  tread  of  a  horse  with  the  staggers,  is  in- 
secure and  heavy.  Avoid  horses  that  strike  the  fore-feet  with  their 
hind-feet ;  those  that  throw  their  fore-feet  outward  too  much ;  those 
with  a  too  fleshy  hock ;  and  those  that  interfere  or  kick.  Aside  from 
all  that  has  been  said  above,  it  is  of  the  utmost  importance  that 
the  buyer  should  always  bear  in  mind  for  what  purpose  he  wants 
to  buy  a  horse. 

For  a  fuller  and  better  understanding  of  all  the  faults  and  diseases 
of  horses,  see  Plate  No.  II,  "  The  Sick  Horse."  Stifi*  horses  are  im- 
proved by  exercise,  prior  to  the  sale ;  lame  horses  are  exhibited  on 
soft  ground.  Lazy  animals,  or  stupid  and  inattentive  ones,  are  kept 
attentive  and  active  by  the  sound  of  the  whip.  Common,  or  even 
cayenne  pepper,  is  introduced  into  the  passage,  to  make  the  horse 
carry  his  tail  high,  and  improve  the  position  of  the  croup.  The 
latter  trick  may  be  discovered  if  the  horse  passes  dung  frequently 
during  the  examination.  Grey  hau-s  over  the  eyes  of  old  horses, 
light  spots,  and  even  the  feet,  are  dyed,  which  trick  can  only  be  found 
out  after  the  horse  sheds  its  coat.  To  guard  against  all  the  tricks  of 
the  trade  requires  a  knowledge  of  the  outward  aj^pearance  of  the 
horse,  as  well  as  its  anatomy  and  physiology,  to  which  may  be  added 
pathology;  and  no  connoiseur  or  veterinarian  should  be  without 
these  qualifications. 


32 


nORRE-OWNER   S      GUIDE, 


HORSEMAN'S    POINTS 


\_Explanations  of  Plate  /.] 


A  A,  Fore-hand. 
a.  Head. 
hhh.  Neck. 
cc.  Shoulder. 

d.  Breast. 

e,  Arm. 

/,  Fore-legs. 

1,  Muzzle. 

2,  Nose. 

3,  Wings  of  the  nose. 

4,  Face. 

5,  Forehead. 

6,  Jaw. 

7,  Fore-top. 

8,  Chin. 

9,  Curb  of  the  chin. 

10,  Outer  corner  of  the  eye. 

11,  Inner       "      "      "     " 

12,  Nape. 
13-13,  Crest. 

14,  Mane,  or  mane  hair. 

15,  Withers. 

16,  Throat. 

17,  Windpipe  or  trapplc. 

18,  Point  of  the  shoulder. 

19,  Fore-arm. 


20,  Elbow. 

21,  Knee. 

22,  Cannon-bones. 

23,  Fetlocks. 

24,  Large  pasterns. 

25,  Small  pasterns. 

26,  Hoof. 

27,  Heels. 

28,  Crown  of  the  hoof. 
BB,  Middle-hand. 

A,  Back. 

B,  Loin. 

CC,  Barrel  (the  ribs). 

D,  Flank. 

E,  Girth. 

CC,  Back-hand. 

29,  Hip. 

30,  Croup  or  rump. 

31,  Dock. 

32,  Quarter. 

33,  Stifle. 

34,  Thigh. 

35,  Hamstring. 

36,  Hocks. 

37,  Point  of  the  hock. 


f 


MODEL    HORSE. 


L  PRANG  1  CO.  LITH.  BOSTON 


34 


II  O  K  S  E  -  O  AV  X  E  R    S      O  U I  P  E  . 


THE     OLD    SICK     HORSE 


\_Explnnations  of  Plate  II.'\ 


Ficr.  1. 


No.  1, 


Sickly  (lis 
from  the 


scharso   1 
nostrils.  1 


2,  Ulceration  of  the  j  g       ^^oms 
membrane,  hnmg  I     ''     % 
the  whole  cavity    j^     i^,,,,!^,^. 
of  the  nose.  ]    ^ 

3,  Swelling  of  the      1 
glands.  J 

4,  Discharge  of  matter  from  the 
eye.  Symptom  of  moon-blind- 
ness, glanders,  and  catarrhal 
pains. 

5,  Caries  of  the  lower-jaw.  Cau- 
ses, maltreatment ;  oftener,  fis- 
tulas of  the  teeth. 

6,  Fistula  of  the  parotid  duct. 

7,  Scars  from   an   old  fontanel, 
indicating  former  or  still-exist- 
ing brain  diseases. 

8,  Hurts  and  scars,  at  the  forehead 
and  over  the  eyes  (orbicula- 
ris), frequently  indications  of 
rabies,  running  over,  and 
hliiidness. 

9,  Warts  on  the  ears  ;  horses  suf- 
fering from  these,  resist  fre- 
quently the  bridling. 

10,  Inflamed  parotid  gland,  with 
inflammation  of  the  throat. 

11,  Fistula  of  the  parotid  gland, 
frequently  the  consequence  of 
unnecessary  operations. 

12,  Swelling,  by  pressure  of  the 
bridle. 

13,  Poll-evil. 

14,  Inflamed  jugular  vein,  comes 
frequently  from  bleeding. 

15,  Scars,  from  repeated  bleeding, 
are  frequently  found  on  horses, 
who  had  the  rabies  and  other 
diseases. 

16,  Scab  of  tlie  mane. 

17,  a,  Swelling  of  the  lymphatic 
vessels;  h,  ulcerated  lymphatic 


gland,  with  cutaneous  worms. 
Symptoms  of  farcy,  or  of  deep- 
seated  sui)puration,  or  of  acute 
inflammation  of  the  same  parts, 
merely. 
No.  18,  Fungus  tumor,  produced  by 
pressure  of  the  collar. 

"    19,  Fistula  of  the  withers. 

"   20,  Tumor  of  the  elbow. 

"   21,  Induration  of  the  knee. 

"   22,  Clap  of  the  back  sinews. 

"   23,  Mallenders. 

"   24,  Splent. 

"   25,  Kingbone. 

"   20,  A  tread  upon  the  coronet. 

"    27,  Quittor. 

"   28,  Sand-crack. 

"   2'.1,  Contracted   or  ring  foot  of  a 
foundered  horse. 

"   30,  Wind-galls. 

"   31,  Grogginess. 

"   32,  Saddle-gall. 

'*   33,  Broken  ribs. 

''   34,  Hernia. 

<'    35,  Ventral  hernia. 

"    3G,  Swelling  from  the  girth. 

"   37,  Hat-tail. 

"   38,  Fistula  of  tlic  tail. 

"   39,  Protrusion  of  the  rectum. 

"   40,  Capped  hock. 

"   41,  Spavin. 

'^    42,  Curb. 

"   43,  Swelled  sinews. 

"   44,  Thick-leg. 

"   45,  Grease,  or  Scratches. 

"   46,  Cow-crack.     Toe-crack. 

"   47,  Quarter-crack. 

A  A,  Scars  from  old  fontanels,  indi- 
cating former  or  still-existing  dis- 
eases. 

Fig.  2,  Shows  the  membrane,  lining  the 
cavity  of  the  nose  with  small  ulce- 
rations, caused  by  glanders. 


Yui.  1 


OLD    SICK    HORSE 


L. PRANG  8.  CO   LITH.  BOSTON 


36 


n  OllUK-O  \Y  nek's      G  U  1 1)  E  . 


THE  AGE  OF  THE  HORSE, 

DETEKMINED  UY  THE  APPEAKANCE  OF  THE  TEETH. 


lExpIanatio7is  of  Plate  III.'\ 


The  safest  way  of  determining  the 
age  of  a  horse  is  by  the  appearance 
of  the  teeth,  which  undergo  certain 
changes  in  the  course  of  years.  Pes- 
sina,  a  German  veterinary  surgeon  of 
renown,  who  made  this  a  special  study, 
came  to  the  classification  given  below. 
Although  generally  accepted,  even  here 
exceptions  will  occur,  as  for  instance  : 
a  noble  horse  might  be  taken  for 
younger  than  he  is,  because  the  strong- 
er structure  of  all  the  bones  makes  the 
teeth  also  stronger  than  those  of  a  horse 
of  an  inferior  breed,  of  the  same  age. 
Frequently,  three  years  old  colts  are 
brought  to  market  with  the  niiJi)ers 
broken  out,  and  sold  for  four  years  old. 

The  classification  of  Pessina  is  as 
follows  :  At  birth,  the  teeth  have  not 
appeared ;  eight  to  fourteen  days  there- 
after, the  first  middle  nipijers  of  the 
set  of  milk-teeth  are  cut  (Fig.  1)  ; 
four  to  six  weeks  afterwards,  the  pair 
next  to  them  (Fig.  2)  ;  and  finally,  after 
sLx  or  eight  months,  the  last  (Fig.  3). 

All  these  milk-teeth  liave  a  well- 
defined  body,  neck,  and  slender  fang, 
and  on  their  front  surfaces  grooves  or 
furrows,  which  disappear  from  the  mid- 
dle nippers  at  the  end  of  one  year ; 
from  the  next  pair  in  two  years  ;  and 
from  the  incisive  teeth  (cutters)  in 
three  years. 

At  the  age  of  two  years  and  a  half, 
the  nijipcrs  become  loose  and  fall  out ; 
in  their  places  appear  two  permanent 
teeth,  with  deep,  black  cavities,  and  full, 
sharp  edges  (Fig.  4)  ;  after  one  year, 
the  next  pair  (Fig.  5)  ;  and  after  an- 


other year,  the  corner  teeth  (Fig.  G) ; 
so  that  the  horse  has  liis  permanent 
set  of  teeth  when  about  five  years 
old.  ^ 

As  the  horse  becomes  older,  his  teeth 
are  worn  away,  by  use,  about  one- 
twelfth  of  an  inch  every  year  ;  so,  that 
the  black  cavities  of  tlie  nijip^i-s  dis- 
appear in  the  sixth  year  (Fig.  7)  ;  uhose 
of  the  next  pair  (middle  teeth),  in  the 
seventh  year  (Fig.  8)  ;  and  those  of 
the  corner  teeth,  in  the  eighth  year 
(Fig.  9).  In  the  ninth  year,  each  of 
the  two  upper  corner  tectli  has  a  little 
sharp  protrusion  at  the  extreme  inner 
corners,  the  cavities  have  completely 
disai)peared  (Fig.  10),  and  are  only 
indicated  by  brownish  spots,  the  oval 
form  becomes  broader,  and  changes, 
from  the  twelfth  to  the  sixteenth  year, 
more  and  more  into  a  triangular  form, 
and  the  teeth  lose,  finallj-^,  with  the 
twentieth  year,  all  regularity.  There 
is  nothing  remaining  in  the  teeth  that 
can,  afterwards,  clearly  show  the  age  of 
the  horse,  or  justify  the  most  expe- 
rienced examiner  in  giving  a  positive 
opinion. 

The  tushes  or  canine  teeth,  conical 
in  shape,  with  a  sharp  point,  and  curved, 
are  cut  between  the  tliird  and  fourth 
year;  their  points  become  more  and 
more  rounded,  until  the  ninth  year, 
and  after  that,  more  and  more  dull  in 
the  course  of  years,  and  lose,  finally, 
all  regular  shape.  Mares  have,  fre- 
quently, no  tushes,  or  only  very  faintly 
indicated. 


Plate  3 


L  PRANG  4  CO. UTH. BOSTON 


38 


lIOKSE-OAVNEll    .S      GUIDE. 


THE    FOOT. 


[Explanations  of  Plate  IV.'] 


Fig.  1,  Represents  a  regularly- built 
hoof,  front  and  side  view. 

"  2,  A  hoof  in  which  the  sole  pro- 
trudes, called  hoof-bound. 

"  3,  A  flat  hoof,  the  sole  is  on  a 
level  with  the  wall  of  the  hoof. 

"    4,    Section  of  the  foot : 

1,  Coronet-bone. 

2,  Coffin-bone. 

3,  Navicular-bone. 
a,  the  wall ;  b,  the  sole  ;  c,  the 
cleft  of  the  frog ;  d  d,  the  frog  ; 
e  e,  the  fatty  frog,  or  elastic 
cusliion  ;  /,  the  sensitive  sole  ; 
g,  the  sensitive  frog;  hhh, 
tendons  of  the  muscles,  which 
bend  the  foot ;  i,  part  of  the 
l)astern  bone  ;  ?c  Jc,  tendons  of 
the  muscles,  which  extend  the 
foot ;  /,  the  coffin-joint ;  m,  the 
navicular-joint ;  n,  the  coro- 
nary substance ;  o,  the  sensi- 
ble laminae,  or  covering  of  the 
coffin-bone. 

"  5,  The  horny  part  of  the  foot: 
a,  the  frog-stay  ;   h  b,  the   two 


horny  projections,  rising  into 
the  cavity  of  the  hoof,  formed 
by  the  commissures  ;  c  c,  por- 
tions of  the  same  jirojections. 
Fig.  G,    A  contracted  hoof. 

"  7,  A  regular,  sound  hoof,  seen 
from  the  sole  ;  a,  the  toe  ;  a  1, 
the  inner-toe  ;  a  2,  the  outer- 
toe  ;  6  1,  the  inner-quarter  ; 
b  2,  the  outer-quarter;  c  1,  the 
inner-heel ;  c  2,  the  outer-heel ; 
d  d  d,  the  sole  ;  e  e,  the  crust, 
or  wall  of  the  hoof;  //,  the 
bars  ;  g  g,  the  commissures  ; 
h  k  I,  the  frog  ;  i  i,  the  bulbs 
of  the  heels. 

"  8,  Clap  of  the  back  sinews,  treat- 
ed by  tiring  applied  in  longi- 
tudinal lines,  about  half  an 
inch  from  each  other,  and  also 
as  shown  by  Fig.  8  and  9. 

"  9,  Curb  and  spavin.,  similarly 
treated  as  above. 

'•  10,  lSx>avin,  treated  by  firing,  not 
in  lines,  but  dotting  over  the 
sick  spot. 


Raie4 


/    , 


10 


L  PRANG  X.  CO.  LITH,  BOSTON 


NOTICE. 


Horse-owners,  who  are  desirous  of  getting  a  carefully-prepared  Homoeopathic 
Medicine-Chest,  can  be  accommodated  by  the  author  of  this  work.  His  long  ex- 
perience as  chemist,  botanist,  and  veterinarian,  enables  him  to  warrant  every 
article  he  sells. 


The  price  for  a  large  chest, $  5  00 

"        "      "   a  small     "  2  .W 


Advice  by  letter,  will  be  given  for  .f  1  00,  enclosed.     Letters,  without  this  fee, 
will  not  receive  attention. 


De.  f.  h.  walther. 

Care  of  L.  Pkang  &  Co.,  Lithographers,  M  Merchants  Row,  Boston. 


Cumrriings  be  ' 

"I ...  ^'^y 

200  Vvd^.^oioRoad^ 
Iterth  Grafton,  MA  WSae 


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